Using Classroom Technology
Operating the Teaching Station
- Operating the teaching station varies based on the technology in the classroom.
- Some classroom podiums have a main power switch. If it is not already on (light is
glowing), turn on the main power switch located near the right side of the keyboard
tray - this will provide power to the Computer/Monitor, DVD/VCR, Samsung Document
Camera, and Smart Sympodium. It is recommended this main power switch be left on at
all times. Make sure to turn on the power to the equipment you plan to use with the
power button on the equipment.
- Older classrooms will have a projector remote. If you do not find a remote, check
the podium for a control button or touch panel. To turn on the Projector using the
remote; Direct remote towards the front or the back of the projector - the green power
light should be illuminated. To turn on the projector using the control panel, select
the Display On button.
Operating the Classroom Equipment
Projector Tips & Tricks:
- Be sure that the Projector is set to RGB1. Press the RGB button once - you will see
“RGB1” on the screen in the upper right corner
- If the Projector remote is not working, try turning off the fluorescent overhead lights
Laptop Tips & Tricks:
- Not all classrooms have laptop audio and video cables available to connect to the
podium. Check the classroom before you need them.
- The TAC may have extra cables available for use, but they should be requested well
in advance. It is recommended you obtain a VGA and audio cable if you plan to use
your laptop in a classroom with out cables.
- Connect Laptop cables to Laptop port on the teaching station desktop. Connections
may be in a hidden cable cubbie in the middle of the podium desktop.
- Select the Laptop button from the control panel on the podium.
CPU - Computer Tips & Tricks:
- For computers without a control panel, use the projector remote to set the input to
VGA1.
- Select the Computer or PC button from the control panel on the podium - make sure
the computer power light is on.
- Log into the computer use the building name and the room number for the Username and
leave the Password blank.
DVD/VCR Tips & Tricks:
- DVD/VCR located behind the left door of the podium or just below the monitor on older
model podiums.
- Select DVD/VCR button from the control panel on the podium - make sure the power is
on.
- Newer model podiums with Extron control panels have a separate button for DVD and
VCR players. Make sure the correct one is selected.
Specialty Classroom Equipment
Depending on the classroom you are in, the Teaching Station may have a Document Camera
or a Smart Sympodium. Please see the following pages for more detailed instructions.
Smart Sympodium Tips & Tricks:
- Lift the lever at the back of the Smart Sympodium to raise and lower the monitor -
rotate the monitor back and forth to adjust viewing angle
- Make sure the Smart Board tools icon is visible in the lower right corner of the screen
- open the Smart Board software from the Start Menu
Document Camera Tips & Tricks:
- Select the Doc Cam button from the panel on the podium - make sure the power is on
- Lift the switch at the base of the left arm to raise the Document Camera lens - position
the lens downward.
- Don't forget to remove the lens cap.
Using the Smart Sympodium
- Lift the lever at the back of the Smart Sympodium to raise and lower the monitor -
rotate the monitor back and forth to adjust viewing angle.
- Make sure the Smart Board tools icon is visible in the lower right corner of the screen.
If the icon is not present, open the Smart Board software from the Start Menu.
- The Smart Sympodium also functions as the Computer Monitor - the standard computer
mouse and Gyromouse may still be used to navigate the screen.
- Use the Stylus to annotate and draw on computer applications like Power Point presentations,
Word documents, Excel charts and spreadsheets, Web pages, etc… Save by selecting Save
As from the application drop down menu.
Stylus
The stylus is located on the right side or top of the Smart Sympodium - use the stylus
along with the Pen Tool and Function buttons to annotate over any computer application.
Pen Tool Buttons
The Pen Tool Buttons are located on the top center of the Smart Sympodium - use these
buttons to make the stylus work as a Left-click mouse, a colored Ink Pens, or an Eraser.
Press the Left-Click button to return to mouse mode after you’ve used the electronic
ink or the eraser.
| Left-Click or Mouse Mode: |
Press the Left-Click to use the Stylus as a mouse. Then press the tip of the stylus
on the screen to activate an object. To double-click press twice with the stylus.
To drag an object, press it with the tip of the stylus and slide it to its new location.
|
| Black/Blue/Red Ink: |
Press the Black, Blue, or Red Ink Buttons to use the stylus as an ink pen. |
| Eraser: |
Press the Eraser Button to erase lines drawn by the Ink Pen - the Eraser will not
delete any shapes created using the Floating Tools.
|
Function Buttons
The Function Buttons are located on the bottom center of the Smart Sympodium - use
these buttons to make the stylus work as a Right-click mouse or to launch specific
Smart Board applications such as the Notebook Software, Floating Tools, the Screen
Capture, or the Keyboard.
| Right-Click: |
Press the Right-Click button - the next time the stylus touches the screen it will
function as a right click. After the stylus touches the screen, it will again function
as a left-click.
|
| Notebook Software: |
An organizational tool used to arrange, save, and share annotations |
| Floating Tools: |
Tool bar for annotating on-screen applications |
| Screen Capture Tools: |
Inserts the full screen or a portion of the screen into the Notebook |
| Keyboard: |
Allows for typed text to be inserted into the annotation - use the stylus to select
keyboard keys. This function also converts handwriting to typed text.
|
Using the Document Camera
- Select the Doc Cam button from the panel on the podium - make sure the power is illuminated.
- Lift the switch at the base of the left arm to raise the Document Camera lens - position
the lens downward. Make sure the lens cover is removed.
- Position the Right and Left side lights to maximize document viewing.
- Place any object on the surface of the Document Camera - paper, transparencies, etc…
- Use the Side and Bottom lights control the lighting level of the Document Camera viewing
surface.
Using the Gyromouse
- Return the Gyromouse to the charging station after use to ensure the battery is charged
for next class.
On the Desktop
Remove the mouse from its charging stand and use it on the desktop like a regular
mouse. Remember to place the mouse back on the charging station when finished.
In the Air
- Remove from charging stand and cradle the moue comfortable in your hand with your
thumb over the left/right mouse button and your index finger on the Activate Button
(this is the button on the bottom of the mouse).
- Click any button to turn the mouse on.
- You may press and hold the Activate Button with your index finger OR Double-click
the Activate Button to keep the cursor continuously active.Click once to deactivate.
- Move your wrist up, down, and/or sideways in a manner similar to using a flashlight
to move the cursor while it is active (see step 3).
- Use your thumb to press the left/right mouse button.
- Place the mouse on its charging station when finished.
